Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Implement production processes and operate commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, or modify materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition. Operate advanced microscopy equipment to manipulate nanoscale objects. Work under the supervision of nanoengineering staff.

Also called: Engineering Technician (Engineering Tech), Lab Technician (Laboratory Technician), Nanofabrication Specialist, Process Engineering Technician (Process Engineering Tech), R and D Engineer (Research and Development Engineer), Research Lab Associate (Research Laboratory Associate), Research Scientist, Research Specialist, Research Technician (Research Tech), Scientific Research Associate, Cleanroom Operator, Cleanroom Technician (Cleanroom Tech), Nanoscience Technician (Nanoscience Tech), Nanotechnician, Nanotechnologist, Nanotechnology Engineering Technician (Nanotechnology Engineering Tech), Nanotechnology Technician (Nanotechnology Tech), Research Staff Member, Research Support Specialist, Technical Associate

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

Produce images or measurements, using tools or techniques such as atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, particle size analysis, or zeta potential analysis.
Maintain accurate record or batch-record documentation of nanoproduction.
Calibrate nanotechnology equipment, such as weighing, testing, or production equipment.
Maintain work area according to cleanroom or other processing standards.
Repair nanotechnology processing or testing equipment or submit work orders for equipment repair.
Assist nanoscientists or engineers in processing or characterizing materials according to physical or chemical properties.
Collaborate with scientists or engineers to design or conduct experiments for the development of nanotechnology materials, components, devices, or systems.
Operate nanotechnology compounding, testing, processing, or production equipment in accordance with appropriate standard operating procedures, good manufacturing practices, hazardous material restrictions, or health and safety requirements.
Monitor hazardous waste cleanup procedures to ensure proper application of nanocomposites or accomplishment of objectives.
Monitor equipment during operation to ensure adherence to specifications for characteristics such as pressure, temperature, or flow.

Skills, machines and equipment

Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Writing
Active Listening
Science
Complex Problem Solving
Operations Monitoring
Troubleshooting
Systems Analysis
Speaking
Mathematics
Active Learning

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Doctoral Degree (40.00% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

55,760–80,280 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 17-3026.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Build design, analysis, validation, and project experience; explore senior technical specialist, project lead, or engineering-management paths with the required qualifications.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Doctoral Degree (40.00% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians